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7 Documentaries About Depression To Check Out

These filmmakers shine a cinematic light on depression and lift the curtain on stigma:

#1 Depression: Out of the Shadows (2008)

In this PBS Home Video, filmmakers explore the variety of manifestations of depression: postpartum depression, late-onset depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder and look at a variety of segments of the population. Depression: Out of the Shadows, also takes a look at the effectiveness in electroshock therapy as a treatment. [click here to watch the trailer]

#2 The Truth About Depression (2013)

This BBC documentary sheds light on this crippling illness and lifts the curtain on the stigma surrounding it. In The Truth About Depression, Stephen Nolan meets people “whose life is a constant battle against it and examines the science behind this potentially life-threatening condition.” [watch full documentary here]

#3 This Emotional Life (2009)

The award-winning, three-part PBS documentary explores why “one in four adults in this country experiences a mental health issue that stands in the way of happiness.” The series brings in insights from brain and behavioral experts as well as telling the stories of everyday people and “their paths to mental and emotional wellness.” This Emotional Life is hosted by Dr. Daniel Gilbert, Harvard psychologist and author. [click here to watch the trailer]

#5 My Depression: The Up and Down and Up of it (animated)

Having struggled with depression her entire life, Broadway director/writer Elizabeth Swados shares her experiences about depression to help erase the stigma and make the topic more accessible and understandable. This animated HBO film features the voices of Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi, Fred Armisen and Dan Fogler. [click here to watch the trailer]

#6 Men Get Depression (2008)

Men Get Depression is a one-hour HD documentary released on American Public Television and explores the devastating effects of depression through the intimate profiles of real men, including a former NFL Quarterback, a Fortune 500 CEO, an Iraq War veteran, a university professor, a pastor and others. “Others describe rash and risky behaviors that put themselves and others in danger and how this was related to emotional pain and a sense of worthlessness.” [click here to watch the trailer]

#7 The Misunderstood Epidemic: Depression (2010)

The inspiration for this documentary came from filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz’ own experience with depression. She addresses topics such as symptoms, suicide, stigma and how depression can happen to anyone regardless of age, race or socioeconomic background. The Misunderstood Epidemic: Depression also discusses “the pros and cons” of medication, different types of therapy, and support groups. [click here to watch the trailer]